Pop-up patios extended in Vancouver through fall, winter by city council vote

Patrons of Vancouver restaurants will be able to dine outside a while longer.

First established as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses's pop-up patios outdoors will remain in effect into winter.

This, decided by a unanimous City council vote Wednesday night. The motion was made by Vancouver City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung.

In it, she detailed the “closure of patios would be a blow reducing needed capacity” for restaurants that “will be under further duress in the coming months as cooler weather arrives.”

The Temporary Expedited Patio Program (TEPP) allowed approved Vancouver businesses, mostly restaurants and breweries, to seat patrons outside on curb areas or spaces adjacent to their establishment amid the pandemic.

Its extension includes allowing businesses external heat sources including patio heaters – which are reportedly at a shortage in the country – as well as roof shelters, awnings, or secured tents for “weather protection.”

Extended Pop-Up Patios in Vancouver passes unanimously! Thx to all speakers who shared how program has been a lifesaver for restaurants & breweries. And TY Council for making sure this got done quickly as time matters for our #smallbiz. @BCRFA @cfibBC @bccraftbeer @VancouverBIAs pic.twitter.com/OUnvdZq5Qg

— Sarah Kirby-Yung 楊瑞蘭 (@sarahkirby_yung) September 17, 2020

TEPP launched in the city on June 1.

As of Aug. 14, 361 permits had been issued to restaurants, including 291 patios on public space and 70 patios on privately-owned space.

Eight craft breweries were also issued permits for patios, which is a first in Vancouver, Kirby-Yung detailed, along with 9 pop-up plazas in partnership with local businesses and business improvement associations.

Vancouver’s Temporary Expedited Patios have been a lifeline for restaurants & embraced by residents. Program ends Oct 31. Would you visit outdoor #restaurant #patios in fall & winter?

Complete poll & share your comments here! What would you need to go? Tents, roofs, heaters?

— Sarah Kirby-Yung 楊瑞蘭 (@sarahkirby_yung) August 30, 2020

“Building on the innovation can be a positive legacy for Vancouver in the move towards a more vibrant and people-focused city and to operating in a new, post-COVID world,” Kirby-Yung emphasized.

As a result, Vancouver City staff have been directed to explore options for continuing programs for pop-up patios each summer.

If not for the vote, the pop-up patio program would have come to an end Oct. 31.